Alice Ryan has found the perfect balance between her interests by combining her passion for fitness and her creative flair.
As a second-year Bachelor of Communications student at UOW, she is not only honing her writing and creative skills through her degree but also pushing herself physically through a UOW College Fitness course.
Although Alice initially considered pursuing an Exercise Science degree, she realised that science was not her forte.
"I really wanted to go into exercise science as I enjoy fitness and want to be involved in that somehow. But science isn't my strength," she says.
With the Certificate III in Fitness from UOW College, Alice is now able to pursue her interest in fitness and work in a more specialised area of the industry with her communications degree.
"With my communications degree and Fitness qualification, I will be able to get into a more niche area of the fitness industry," she says.
Working across both UOW and UOW College courses, Alice offers a unique perspective and can help other students understand the difference between studying a vocational fitness course and an academic bachelor's degree. Despite having to manage two different courses of study, Alice finds the learning process fulfilling, and because she enjoys it, she does not feel overwhelmed. Alice is studying the Certificate III in Fitness via distance, which is a mix of online evening classes with intensive face to face practical sessions on campus.
She highlights the benefits of vocational education, such as small class sizes, personal support, and a hands-on approach.
“With the Fitness course specifically, it is very small and intimate. I've made good friends in my class, and we are all very close," she says.
She appreciates the approach of the trainers who offer individual feedback to students, saying, "The trainers are very hands-on and they reach out to us individually to ask how we are going."
"The Certificate III in Fitness offers a great foundation for anyone who is thinking of getting a job in the fitness industry or going into an exercise science degree,” she says.
Alice plans to complete the Certificate IV in Fitness after finishing the Certificate III in Fitness, rounding out her fitness experience and qualifications.
Interested in studying a UOW College Fitness course? Find out more.
Alice Ryan
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness
Bachelor of Communications